Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

I've not seen the new boys yet so can't comment at the moment but will after the Rotherham game and Wigan ect.. As to how we might line up. That looks good to me, that team there but yeah the wing back thing concerns me a bit tbh especially against the better teams when we could be easily exposed on the counter. However if Roberts somehow knuckles down and shows his worth properly (long shot I know) then we could be looking at basically like a new signing, with him also being a winger but yeah it looks like we'll be using the narrow style again, but again ill comment properly when I see the team on Tuesday for the first time.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

I've not seen the new boys yet so can't comment at the moment but will after the Rotherham game and Wigan ect.. As to how we might line up. That looks good to me, that team there but yeah the wing back thing concerns me a bit tbh especially against the better teams when we could be easily exposed on the counter. However if Roberts somehow knuckles down and shows his worth properly (long shot I know) then we could be looking at basically like a new signing, with him also being a winger but yeah it looks like we'll be using the narrow style again, but again ill comment properly when I see the team on Tuesday for the first time.

Unfortunately, after seeing Roberts yesterday, I think he is simply pish and dont think there is a player in him.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Not sure if Thompson will be risked on the artificial surface first game of the season.

It's getting ridiculous really with Thomson. First it's he doesn't get risked in pre-season training, then it's we shouldn't risk him in friendlies, now it's we might not risk him on artificial surfaces (where we will play 4 games this season). Boys an ahsolute crock. Better to plan ahead without him IMO.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

How do you think we'll line up for the start of the season based on what you've seen of the players?

This is the team I'd go for, assuming Thomson can make it. Looks like we're going to have to rely on the wing-backs for width, which isn't ideal.

That's pretty much how i see us lining up against Killie but there might be a few surprises a lot can change in the next 3 friendlies. I'd change the shape slightly with 2 defensive midfielders (Thomson and Low) then 3 attacking midfielders (McGowan, Ross and Stewart) although Harkins can easily secure a place in either position over the 3 games.

If we do play with wing backs i think it's important we play 2 defensive midfielders who can sit in and cover the gaps left when Holt/McGinn are attacking.

Hemmings is a definite starter up front,Loy hasn't shown what he can do but hopefully he steps up in the next few games. Tank isn't good enough at this level, i think we should cut our losses and accept that he won't come good and try to loan him out and bring someone else in, preferable a target man to give us an option off the bench.

A 442 diamond wit Stewart up front with Hemmings is another option as well or if Loy comes good then Loy with Hemmings and Stewart at the top of the diamond with a free role.

An out and out winger and a target man would give us other options but it's unlikely of happening now, Hartley seems to be happy to persist with a narrow formation and is relying on the full / wing backs for width.

It may well work but i'd rather have other options from the bench when change is required against teams like St Johnstone etc who we can't pass our way through. The game against St Johnstone at Dens in April was the perfect example of this. It was so frustrating to watch the lack of width, pace and ideas because we couldn't break them down. Dyer found himself in aces of space time after time and either cut back or inside, hopefully Holt will be more direct and will link better with our attackers.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

I thoroughly believe we will only see KT against the top 6 sides and in Cup Games, or games where our midfield depth is short. So for opening day I see us going like this.

Width coming via Wingbacks (like Hartley wants), Harkins in the deeper role as he has been trialled pre-season. McGowan and Low infront of him, with Low being given the more advanced role, but that's interchangeable.

Advanced 3 pick themselves to me right now. 2 Inside Forwards and Hemmings as the striker.

At the back we need to watch out for Killie on their counter, especially if Obadeyi is playing with his pace. He might have no end product, but if you give him enough chances, he'll get one right.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

I thoroughly believe we will only see KT against the top 6 sides and in Cup Games, or games where our midfield depth is short. So for opening day I see us going like this.

Width coming via Wingbacks (like Hartley wants), Harkins in the deeper role as he has been trialled pre-season. McGowan and Low infront of him, with Low being given the more advanced role, but that's interchangeable.

Advanced 3 pick themselves to me right now. 2 Inside Forwards and Hemmings as the striker.

At the back we need to watch out for Killie on their counter, especially if Obadeyi is playing with his pace. He might have no end product, but if you give him enough chances, he'll get one right.

That's the team I would go for. Maybe swap Mcginn for Irvine that's it.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

I might be running the risk of repeating myself but I believe that we must start GGH-he is the only real creative player we have and we need his spark of magic to get us the chances we need to score--I honestly believe that playing him in a more orthodox midfield role or indeed in the deeper one he has occupied recently will be to our benefit-I have heard and listened to many comments from supporters about things like "he doesn't chase back or he doesn't work hard enough" etc etc but this I know for a fact, and that is that last season we struggled without him. Opposition sides hate playing against him as he just can't be left alone as they are aware of his ability to change a game in a second. So for me its a no brainer. GGH starts in my team!